Gears Slipping

[Dan_K]

Hi all,

I'm completely non-technically minded and was wondering if anyone can help me with my gears. They seem to be slipping on the rear cassette when changing around the middle cogs.

Any ideas, quick fixes?

I don't really want to start messing with things I don't understand and am trying to avoid a trip to GB.....

[tel]

Most probable cause is that your chain is kaput. Maybe a new cassette as well but try the chain first.

Good luck

Terry

[Grahame]

The most likely cause is the indexing of the rear mech. This is usually caused by slight stretch of the gear cable.

Try tightening the cable using the adjuster where it enters the rear mech, no more than 1/8th of a turn (1 "click") at a time.

If I see you at the clubrun on Saturday, I'll be happy to have a look for you.

[Dan_K]

[quote="tel"]Most probable cause is that your chain is kaput. Maybe a new cassette as well but try the chain first.

Good luck

Terry

[quote="Dan_K"][quote="tel"]Most probable cause is that your chain is kaput. Maybe a new cassette as well but try the chain first.

Good luck

Terry

[Dombo]

yes, happens with mine every time I replace the cables then settles down. As Grahame says, twiddle the barrel adjuster and then ride around for a bit. Only problem is that when the bike's on a stand you cannot generate the same amount of pedal force so you do need to twiddle, ride a sudden burst, twiddle again.

[Dan_K]

Thanks Grahame, i'll give it a go and see how I get on.

[Andrew G]

Look at the Park Tools website or the instruction booklet (came with the rear meach or download from the company website) an they explain very simply how to set up and index a rear mech, with pictures and diagrams.

I had to re-do mine over the weekend as it slipped under stress during the HCs. Not a cable stretching issue with mine but I may have knocked the cage loading it in and out of the car as it was only a fraction out on the smallest gear, kind of important though when it slips up one gear when you're groveling up the hill.

[Jon C C on a Bianchi]

[quote="Dan_K"][

Really? The bike was new in June and i've only done approx 900 miles on it. Am I being naive to think a chain would last longer than that?

[Marek]

Sounds like the indexing, so twiddle is the answer, but as Jon says get a chainwear indicator for the future. They cost next to nothing and can save you a lot of dosh. Just to explain briefly, as you ride more the chain will start to stretch. As the chain stretches is starts to wear down the teeth on your sprockets and your chainring. If you then change your chain after you have worn down the teeth, you will find that it is jumping about all over the place as it does not fit well on the teeth due to them being worn down by the stretched chain. That means to correct the problem you need to get a new cassette and maybe a new chainset. Expensive lesson learnt.

As Jon says, if you check the wear of your chain every couple of weeks with the tool you then know when it is stretched and that this is the time to replace the chain with a new one, saving on you having to replace the rest of your groupset. To avoid going to the LBS, learn how to break and rejoin a chain, can recommend the KMC chains, although those missing link thingies can be a bit tricky to use when they are greasy and dirty.

Cheers

Marek....

[Andrew G]

[quote="Marek"]can recommend the KMC chains, although those missing link thingies can be a bit tricky to use when they are greasy and dirty.

[Andrew G]

As if they were checking for your problems Bike Radar has a show and tell - [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/workshop-how-to-set-up-the-gears-on-your-bike-23582]here[/url].

[Dan_K]

Cheers Andrew, i've had to admit defeat though.....

I adjusted the barrel on the rear mech and went for a ride. It was even worse so I bought a chain wear tool and it looks like the chain's stretched. I was gonna order a chain and do it myself but it now looks like my front wheel needs to be trued too and I want the bike rideable for a training ride on Sunday and then a week in the Peak District next week.

Gonna call GB this morning and get them to take a look...

[huw williams]

You're probably just using Campag [img]http://i34.tinypic.com/1r1y6h.gif[/img]

[Mike I]

[quote="huw williams"]You're probably just using Campag [img]http://i34.tinypic.com/1r1y6h.gif[/img]